The immigration medical examination

The immigration process to the United States is complex and requires several critical steps, one of the most important of which is the immigration medical examination.

This examination is critical to ensure that green card applicants do not pose a threat to the public health of the country.

Through the Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Immunization Record, applicants must demonstrate that they are free of certain health conditions that could render them inadmissible under U.S. immigration law.

The most recent update indicates that, effective April 4, 2024, any Form I-693 completed and signed as of November 1, 2023 will not expire and will be valid indefinitely. For more details about Form I-693 and its updates, you can visit the official USCIS website.

We recommend that you consult our Spanish manual to fill out this form.

Examination Process and Location

Applicants for adjustment of status within the U.S. must undergo the medical examination with an authorized civilian physician, while those applying from abroad must do so with a panel physician during consular processing.

To find an authorized physician in the U.S., applicants can use the “Find an Authorized Physician” resource on the myUSCIS page or call the USCIS Contact Center.

For those abroad, the Department of State provides lists of panel physicians through embassies and consulates.

Medical Inadmissibility and Health Conditions

Applicants may be deemed inadmissible for reasons such as:

• Serious communicable diseases: Such as tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea and leprosy. CDC regularly updates its technical instructions for physicians, which include details on which diseases are of public concern and how they should be screened for and treated.
• Drug or alcohol abuse: If the test reveals current substance abuse, it may result in inadmissibility. The evaluation criteria are based on clear medical and legal guidelines.
• Mental disorders and dangerous behavior: Disorders that may result in harmful behavior towards oneself or others may also be cause for inadmissibility.
• Incomplete vaccination record: Immigration laws require applicants to have a complete record of recommended vaccinations. For a complete list of required vaccines, you can visit the CDC’s vaccines page.

The detailed regulations and health conditions that may cause inadmissibility are explained in Section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and in CDC’s Technical Instructions for Civilian Physicians.

These links will take you directly to the official sources where you can get more information and make sure you have the latest and most relevant information about the immigration medical examination process.

Medical Costs and Insurance

The costs associated with the immigration medical examination can vary widely and are not regulated by the federal government. In general, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for the immigration medical examination.

Key points include:

• Fee Variability: It is recommended that applicants call several licensed physicians to compare prices before scheduling their exam.
• Health insurance: Many licensed physicians do not accept health insurance for these exams, and insurance may not cover many of the costs associated with the process.
• Tips on how to manage costs: Applicants can visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ Understanding Upfront Costs page for tips on how to manage medical expenses and get estimates before the appointment.